By NIKOLE JAVIERĀ
La Salle got back at its Season 84 tormentor National University with a 25-10, 25-15, 25-21 rout to sweep the first round of the UAAP Season 85 womenās volleyball tournament on Wednesday, March 22, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Lady Spikers shrugged off the Lady Bulldogsā resistance in the third set to complete a 7-game sweep of the elims.
Super rookie Angel Canino carried out a team-high 14 points, while Fifi Sharma and Jolina Dela Cruz contributed 12 and 11, respectively.
The win was La Salleās first over NU since March 2019 in Season 81.
Tied at 16-all in the third set after Evangeline Alinsugās crosscourt attack, La Salle went on a 3-0 run to seize momentum.
La Salle paid tribute to its defensive effort for the win, coming through with 12 blocks compared to NUās four. The Lady Spikers had only 11 unforced errors to NUās 20.
āDi ko inaasahan āyong na-straight sets namin sila. Sabi ko nga sa mga bata stick to the plan kung ano āyong plano natin na ginawa sa training. They played with pride di pwedeng magpapa-intimidate tayo. Nuāng last year hindi tayo nakakuha ng set. Different team na tayo ngayon,ā said interim head coach Noel Orcullo.
Bella Belen paced the reigning champion with 12 points built on 11 attacks and a block.
NU finished the elims with a 5-2 card.